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Signing of Mid South West Growth Deal Heads of Terms Agreement Marks a Pivotal Step in Transforming Region’s Economy

The Mid South West (MSW) Region Growth Deal reached a key milestone today as partner representatives from the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and the three participating councils signed the Heads of Terms Agreement in Cookstown.

The Heads of Terms Agreement for the Growth Deal sets out a commitment  by the partners to deliver on a suite of  catalyst Infrastructure, Regeneration, Tourism, Innovation and Digital projects that will contribute to the objectives of the Mid South West Regional Economic Strategy.

The investment package comprises a commitment of £126 million each from the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government, enhanced by an additional £18.5 million in government funding from the Executive for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass and the Ulster American Folk Park, as well as contributions of approximately £8 million from the Mid South West Region Councils and the potential for substantial private sector investment bringing the potential investment to over £330m.

The signing at The Burnavon came a week after the Chancellor’s confirmation in the Autumn Budget that the UK Government would fund the two remaining Northern Ireland Growth Deals.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly MLA, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP addressed those in attendance ahead of the signing and spoke of a firm commitment to investing in the region and of boosting economic prosperity and sustainable development.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

“It’s a hugely positive day for local communities as we celebrate the signing of the Heads of Terms for the Mid South West Growth Deal.

“We fought hard as an Executive to ensure this significant piece of funding was delivered to drive investment and create more jobs throughout our towns, villages and cities.

“I look forward to working with local councils and people to see the development of exciting projects including the A29 Cookstown Bypass, the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass, the Ulster American Folk Park redevelopment and the Armagh Gaol restoration.

“This game-changing deal will help to unlock our economic potential, promote regional balance and see the delivery of transformative infrastructure, education and tourism projects. I am committed to driving forward real and positive change and creating the best opportunities for all.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly said:

“This is a significant day, one that was hard fought for. We are determined to drive economic prosperity across Northern Ireland and the City and Growth Deals are an important element of that.

“The impressive key projects involved in the Mid South West Growth Deal will deliver a much-needed and welcome boost for the area. I have no doubt they will bring a wide range of benefits to local communities and the wider region including better connectivity and enhanced tourist attractions. They will also create job opportunities and pave the way for further private investment in the future.”       

Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:

“While it may have taken slightly longer than anticipated I am pleased to be here today signing the Heads of Terms for the Mid South West Growth Deal. Projects included in this Growth Deal will shape local infrastructure, create job opportunities and further increase the skills base of the region. In addition this significant funding injection will go towards addressing regional imbalance, boosting economic activity helping to attract further investment and opportunities. I look forward to following the Mid South West Growth Deal as it progresses and seeing the transformative changes this investment will bring to the wider region.”

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP said: 

“The £126m of UK Government funding will enable the start of a green transformation, with innovative eco projects helping us to move forward to a net zero future supporting local businesses to thrive.
“This Deal will encourage economic growth not only in the Mid South West region, but across the whole of Northern Ireland.
“I want to pay tribute to everyone whose determination and effort has helped make today’s signing happen.
“It will bring tremendous benefits to the whole community and I will continue to support this deal as we head into the next phase of delivery.”

Kevin Savage, Chair of the MSW Governance Steering Group, and Programme Director Paul Donnelly gave an overview of the Growth Deal’s ambitions and its proposed projects.

The 12 project proposals included in the MSW Growth Deal are:

  1. A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass
  2. A29 Cookstown Bypass
  3. Armagh Gaol Restoration and Transformation Project
  4. Ulster American Folk Park redevelopment
  5. Cuilcagh Lakelands Landscape Project enhancements
  6. Robotics Automation Packaging Innovation Centre
  7. Agri-Bio innovation Centre
  8. Green Energy District
  9. Desertcreat Green Innovation Park
  10. Green Hydrogen Distribution Network
  11. Concrete Sustainability Innovation Centre
  12. Green Industrial Challenge Fund

Kevin Savage, Chair of the Mid South West Governance Steering Group, said:

“The Heads of Terms Agreement we have signed today is a pivotal commitment that sets us on a path to future-proofing the economic growth of our region. By driving innovation, bolstering our infrastructure, and embracing sustainable growth, we are laying the groundwork for a balanced, thriving economy.

“The Mid South West Growth Deal will be a catalyst for growth, creating good jobs, elevating the region as a hub for innovation, and unlocking economic potential, while also attracting significant private sector investment to further fuel the region’s development.”

Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd said:

“This is a significant day for all those who have worked so hard on the Mid South West Region Growth Deal. Getting infrastructure right – and investing in it – can deliver real benefits for our citizens, communities and the economy so I am pleased that my Department is progressing two major schemes included in the Deal: the A4 Enniskillen bypass and the A29 Cookstown bypass. 

“These projects will provide more accessible and inclusive transport options, remove traffic congestion and will help to support the creation of new business and leisure opportunities.  I will continue to work closely with my Executive colleagues and council partners to deliver projects that will bring about positive changes for urban and rural communities.” 

Statement following announcement from Chancellor on Growth Deals funding

“We welcome the news that the UK Government will stand by its funding commitments  to the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals. This is a very positive outcome which means that we can move forward on the development of our key innovation, green energy and decarbonisation projects designed to boost the economy in these regions.

“Work on projects including the £22m Centre for Food and Drug Discovery (CFDD) in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area as well as the Industrial Decarbonisation Programme and Agri-food Robotics Automation Packaging Innovation Centre in the Mid South West Region can now go ahead, with the potential to create millions of pounds in return investment as well as thousands of jobs in these areas.

“These Growth Deals are crucial to delivering on the UK Government’s clear priority for sustainable economic growth and the NI Executive Economic plan to boost regional economic performance by delivering good jobs, increased productivity and reduced carbon emissions. We look forward to engaging with the Northern Ireland Office in the coming weeks to progress these Deals to their respective next stages.”

Lift the pause

Delegation from Northern Ireland Growth Deals paused by Labour Government take campaign to Westminster

 

 

Representatives from the two Northern Ireland Growth Deals that the UK Government have put on hold Westminster with an urgent call to lift the pause on their growth.

A delegation from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Mid South West Region will be meeting with MPs later on Wednesday, urging them put their case to the Labour Government ahead of the Autumn Budget to lift the pause on their growth.

It emerged last month, on Friday 13th of September that the Government had decided to pause its funding for the four Northern Ireland City and Growth Deals pending the outcome of its Spending Review. The decision was met with unanimous outrage from the Northern Ireland Executive, which is standing by its commitments to the Growth Deals.

The Government then reversed its decision for the Belfast City Region Deal and the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region Deal, with the latter being signed just five days later. The UK Government has so far not recommitted to contributions of £126 million for the Mid South West Region (comprising Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, and Mid Ulster District Council areas) and £36 million for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The Northern Ireland Executive reaffirmed its support of £162 million capital funding for the two Growth Deals. However,  the paused UK funds are stalling progress on key innovation, green energy and decarbonisation projects designed to boost the economy in these economically disadvantaged regions, which are the only regions in the UK not to benefit from a Growth Deal.

The Labour Government has blamed a £22bn shortfall in its budget and a need to review funding commitments as part of its Spending Review, but the Growth Deal partners argue it’s unlikely any of the promised £162 million for both regions will be required in this Spending Review period with most of the anticipated spend happening after 2028.

Chair of the MSW Region Governance Steering Group, Kevin Savage said:  “Just last week we marked what should have been a pivotal moment in our Growth Deal, the Heads of Terms Agreement signing. Our delivery partners including the Northern Ireland Executive came together to show their support for the plans to grow the MSW economy.

“Northern Ireland’s First Minister and deputy First Minister have brought our case directly to the Prime Minister. The Finance Minister has also been very active in supporting our campaign through engagement with the Chief Secretary to the Treasurer Darren Jones and we thank them for their work.

“These Growth Deals are crucial to delivering not only on the Northern Ireland Executive’s new plan to boost regional economic performance, but the UK Government’s clear priority for sustainable economic growth.

“We gather today at Westminster to say to the UK Government that we need all the promised funding to fully deliver transformational change, so we urge you lift the pause on our growth and recommit to supporting us now.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Chief Executive David Jackson said: “The previous Government made a commitment earlier this year when it signed our Heads of Terms Agreement to contribute to delivering fundamental change to the Causeway Coast and Glens economy. 

“If the Prime Minister wishes to reset the economy in the regions as he reiterated recently, then we would urge him to use this opportunity to do so. These projects will not only benefit Northern Ireland but also strengthen the UK’s reputation as a global leader in innovation. Lift the pause on our growth and recommit this funding in the Autumn Budget.”

MSW Region Marks Missed Deal Heads of Terms Signing with a Message for UK Government: Lift the Pause on Our Growth

The First Minister, deputy First Minister and Finance Minister met with Mid South West (MSW) Region partners today on what should have been a pivotal occasion for their Growth Deal, and issued a strong appeal to the UK Government to honour its commitment.

Representatives from Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, and Mid Ulster District Council, along with the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government, were scheduled to sign the Heads of Terms Agreement for the Mid South West Region Growth Deal earlier today.

However, the UK Government’s decision to pause its planned £126 million contribution, pending the outcome of its Spending Review, meant the signing of this significant stage of the investment plan could not proceed as planned.

In response, the councils and Deal Partners involved seized the opportunity to meet with Executive Ministers, updating them on their campaign and discussing the projects that the Executive will continue to support following confirmation that £126 million in capital funding for projects including the Ulster American Folk Park, Armagh Gaol, A29 Cookstown Bypass as well as additional funding for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass is secure.

The UK Government’s postponement of its £126 million contribution is stalling progress on other key initiatives designed to drive innovation, green growth, and economic development across the MSW region.

At the event, MSW Region Deal partners reiterated their urgent plea to the UK Government to lift the pause and proceed with the Growth Deal.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The Mid South West Growth deal will be a game changer. It will be a catalyst for economic growth and will create good jobs. It needs to go ahead as planned.

“We have raised this issue directly with the British Prime Minister and told him that the decision was unacceptable. The British Government must stand by their commitment.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Today was an opportunity to get an update on the range of projects that are proceeding as planned and to see the positive impact they will have. However, it was also a reminder that the pause and continued uncertainty around funding is having a serious impact on other key initiatives, all of which would make such a difference in the Mid South West area.

“We have spoken to the Prime Minister and other UK Government representatives about the need to lift the pause and will continue to apply pressure as we approach the Spending Review.”

Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: While I welcome the opportunity to be in Dungannon to be updated on the campaign to lift the pause on the Mid South West Growth Deal I would have preferred to be putting pen to paper and signing the Head of Terms today. The signing of that document would have helped in addressing regional imbalance and represented the next step in bringing much-needed investment into the area. There should be no disparity between any of our City and Growth Deals and I again call for the pause on the Causeway Coast & Glens and Mid South West Deals to be lifted.”

Kevin Savage, Chair of the MSW Governance Steering Group, said: “We are grateful to the First Minister and deputy First Minister for coming to Dungannon today to show their support for investment in this region. We also welcomed the Finance Minister who has been working closely with us to save our Growth Deal and we extend our thanks for her ongoing commitment. The Northern Ireland Executive’s continued backing allows us to move forward with key infrastructure, regeneration and tourism projects.

“Our Growth Deal represents a vital opportunity to build on the entrepreneurial spirit of our region by promoting digitisation and innovation in the agri-food, manufacturing, and engineering sectors. Government support for green energy and decarbonisation is essential in transforming our industries as they adapt to climate change.

“This deal is critical to delivering on the NI Executive’s new plan to boost regional economic performance, as well as the UK Government’s clear priority for economic growth. Further delays will threaten the achievement of both UK and NI growth targets.

“We gather today to say to the UK Government: today was a missed opportunity, but the chance to invest and grow  our region still exists. We urge you to lift the pause and recommit to supporting us now.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald with Mid South West Region Growth Deal delivery partners at the Hill Of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon.

Mid South West Region meets with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Joint statement from Mid South West Region and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council following today’s meeting with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn:
“We welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP in Dungannon today and engage with him on the future of the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals. 
“We pressed our case for the vital need for the UK Government to stand by its commitments of £126 million for Mid South West Region and £36 million for Causeway Coast and Glens, money which will drive innovation in these underinvested areas.
“The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was very supportive and will continue to press our case with the Treasury. 
“We look forward to continuing our engagement and call on our MPs and MLAs to support this and do what they can to lobby for our Growth Deals. We will make our case in person at Westminster ahead of the Labour Government’s Autumn Budget.”
Lift the pause

Joint Response on Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s statement on the future of City Deals

Joint statement from Mid South West Region and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council reacting to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn’s statement in the House of Commons on the future of the Northern Ireland City Deals:

“It is an understatement that the decision by the UK Government to pause the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals has caused uncertainty.

“We remain extremely angry that the funding committed by the UK Government is now the subject to a Spending Review by HM Treasury.

“The Government continues to blame a £22bn shortfall in its budget and a need to review funding commitments as part of its Spending Review, but it’s unlikely any of the promised £162million for both regions will be required in the Spending Review period and the Treasury know this.

“We welcome the news that the Northern Ireland Executive reaffirmed its commitment to its share of investment in the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals this week. 

“These Growth Deals were designed to be transformative for Northern Ireland as a whole and not just the City Regions. It is hugely unfair that the UK Government would even consider withdrawing this much needed investment from these areas which will only exacerbate regional imbalance and goes against all the early pledges from the new UK Government. 

“We need all the promised funding to fully deliver transformational change and so we call on the Government to lift the pause on our growth, allocate the money in the Autumn Budget and live up to your policies. We will put this case to the Secretary of State when we meet in the coming days.”

Lift the pause

Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals welcome recommitment from Northern Ireland Executive, as pressure mounts on UK Government to lift its pause

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Mid South West Region have welcomed a recommitment from the Northern Ireland Executive to its share of investment in their Growth Deals.

Pressure is mounting on the UK Government to lift its pause on the two Growth Deals after Executive Ministers agreed to stand by their pledges of £162m capital funding for the two Growth Deals and £100m Complementary Fund.

The Executive also reaffirmed its commitment to fund the A4 Enniskillen Bypass, as agreed in February 2024. As a result, the £43m funding commitment to the A29 Cookstown Bypass within the Mid South West Growth Deal is also secure.  

The Executive agreed the move recommended by Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald during a meeting on Wednesday 2 October. Growth Deal Councils were informed by the Minister in a letter on Friday. Minister Archibald also raised the Growth Deals with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones on Thursday. It is understood that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn will meet with Mr Jones later this week to discuss the issue.

Chair of the MSW Region Governance Steering Group, Kevin Savage said:

“It is hugely reassuring that the Executive is standing by its Growth Deal commitments. Our Growth Deal is vital to boosting economic performance and it will provide the platform to support many of our businesses adapt to the challenges and opportunities from the need to be more innovative, environmentally and economically sustainable. 

“We need all the promised funding to fully deliver transformational change and we now look to the UK Government with the simple message, lift the pause on our growth and recommit to supporting us now.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Chief Executive David Jackson said:

“We welcome the support of the Northern Ireland Executive in standing by its commitment to the Growth Deals and we now ask the UK Government to live up to the commitment that it made in signing our Heads of Terms Agreement in April to help to deliver a fundamental change to the Causeway Coast and Glens economy. 

“The UK Government money will be invested in two of the council area’s largest innovation projects, which will increase skills and employability, create high value jobs and attract foreign direct investment, and will complement the NI Executive funded projects focused on regeneration and improved tourist infrastructure.

“These projects will not only benefit Northern Ireland but also strengthen the UK’s reputation as a global leader in innovation and so we call on the Government to lift the pause on our growth and allocate the money in the Autumn Budget.”

Growth deal image

Mid South West Partners join Finance Minister at Stormont to demand UK Government immediately unpause Growth Deal

The Mid South West (MSW) Region Growth Deal partners, alongside the Finance Minister and their counterparts from the ‘paused’ Growth Deal region of Causeway Coast and Glens, have united in demanding that the UK Government reaffirm its commitment to supporting the economic redevelopment of both regions.

A rallying call at Stormont was staged in response to the news that the previously committed funding has been put on hold pending the outcome of the UK Government’s Spending Review.

The MSW Growth Deal, which was set for a Heads of Terms Agreement signing next month, is now facing uncertainty, prompting today’s high-level discussions at Stormont.

The investment package was to comprise a funding commitment of £252m from the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government, which has now paused its contribution of £126 million, plus additional Government funding for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass; and contributions from the Mid South West Region Councils in the region of £8million, with the potential for significant private sector funding investment.

Twelve project proposals included in the MSW Deal aim to: enable infrastructure; boost innovation and digital capacity; support green energy development; increase tourism, and futureproof the region’s skills base and these are now placed on an uncertain trajectory.

Chair of the MSW Region Governance Steering Group, Kevin Savage said:

“This Growth Deal is not just a collection of projects – it can stimulate the transformational change that will secure the economic future of a region which covers half of Northern Ireland’s landmass and includes a quarter of the province’s population.

“It is vital that this full investment package goes ahead and we begin to address decades of underinvestment, redress regional imbalances and create an ambitious, prosperous and sustainable society for the people who live, work and visit here.

“The UK government committed to invest in four Northern Ireland City and Region Deals, and cannot pull the plug halfway through its implementation. The lack of communication from the Government is unacceptable. We are now calling for open dialogue so we can work towards a solution to lift this unnecessary pause.”

During the meeting, the Finance Minister reiterated the MSW Region Growth Deal Partners’ call for the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to lift the pause on the funding without further delay.

Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:

“I remain unwavering on the need for the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals to be allowed to continue their progress without delay.

 “The continuation of this pause risk undermining confidence to get on with delivering these Deals, which had been designed to stimulate growth in local and regional economies.

“Today has demonstrated, once again, the unanimous political support for these Deals. Working together we will continue to champion the case of the immediate reversal of this pause on funding for the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals and their reinstatement so they can get on with delivering the proposed projects.”

 

 

Public Statement

Public Statement issued on behalf of the Mid South West Region Growth Deal Partners:

The Mid South West (MSW) Region Growth Deal Partners are shocked and disappointed to have received news that the funding previously committed by the UK Government for a Growth Deal for our region has been ‘paused’ and is now subject to the outcome of the Spending Review.  As a region we had been looking forward to signing the Heads of Terms Agreement for our Growth Deal next month.

We welcome the efforts of the Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald in holding discussions with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, and the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, and we also call on the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to lift this pause immediately and reaffirm the UK Government’s commitment to a Growth Deal for the Mid South West Region.   Significant resource has been invested by the Councils and our partners to date in developing a suite of transformative infrastructure, innovation, tourism, regeneration and green energy projects which will drive the long-term economic growth of the region and we must continue at pace to build on this work.

Despite the uncertainty that now surrounds the MSW and Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals, we welcome the news that the pause has been lifted from the Belfast Region City Deal and the Derry City and Strabane City Deal, and that both Deals will now be proceeding.

The MSW Region Growth Deal Partners remain fully committed to the Growth Deal and to seizing this vital opportunity to address decades of underinvestment, redress regional imbalances and to maximise the wide range of benefits that this investment would bring to our region and to the people who live, work and visit here.

Mid South West launches Net Zero business support programme

Mid South West launches ‘Net Zero’ business support programme

Driving Net Zero Transformation Programme set to catalyse sustainable growth for businesses across the Mid South West region

As part of the concerted efforts to mitigate climate change and foster sustainable development, the Mid South West (MSW) Region is proud to launch the new “Driving Net Zero Transformation Programme” offering up to 90 local businesses personalised Net Zero assessments and action plans.

It will be delivered in collaboration with carbonfit, a leading sustainability consultancy, who will carry out tailored assessments which will enable businesses to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to reduce their carbon footprint.

Councillor Errol Thompson, Chair of the Mid South West Region Governance Steering Group expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, stating,

“The ‘Driving Net Zero Transformation Programme’ will help to support the region’s journey towards sustainability. By fostering collaboration and providing tangible support, we aim to make meaningful change within our business community, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future, and we absolutely encourage businesses within our region to get involved in this fantastic initiative, which can help them improve upon resource efficiency, business operations, innovations and cost-saving opportunities”.

Funded through Innovate UK’s Fast Followers programme, the Driving Net Zero Transformation Programme aims to empower local businesses in Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon, Fermanagh & Omagh and Mid Ulster in their transition towards sustainable practices. The MSW region, among 21 Local Authority areas across the UK, has been granted a share of £6 million funding to spearhead efforts towards the Net Zero target.

For businesses who are unsure on how to begin their journey to Net Zero, there will be six insightful webinars designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop robust Net Zero action plans. Additionally, three dynamic business events will be hosted across the three Council areas within the MSW region, facilitating invaluable learning, knowledge-exchange, collaboration and networking opportunities among stakeholders.

Finally, dedicated 1:1 support will be provided to micro and small to medium sized businesses in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Agri-Food, and Construction sectors.

Annemarie Roddy, Associate Director at carbonfit, echoed these sentiments, affirming, “We are delighted to partner with the MSW Region in this transformative initiative, and look forward to bringing the expertise and tailored solutions available at carbonfit, to help empower local businesses embrace sustainability, thrive in a low-carbon economy, and provide opportunities to maximise on their triple bottom line.”

If you would like to sign up and find out more about how the programme can support your business, visit https://midsouthwestregion.org/net-zero-transformation/ or email info@midsouthwestregion.org

Enniskillen Bypass

Mid South West Region welcomes progression of A4 Enniskillen Bypass

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald have outlined their joint commitment to delivering projects that will bring social and economic benefits for communities across the north.

The Ministers were speaking during a visit to the site of the proposed A4 Enniskillen Bypass following recent confirmation of funding to deliver the scheme and early release of £12.5m funding from the Mid South West Growth Deal ahead of Heads of Terms being agreed and Deal signing.

Minister O’Dowd said:

“Investing in our infrastructure is critical if we are to build the foundations for better rural and urban communities.  Providing more efficient, accessible and inclusive transport options and removing traffic congestion from our cities, towns and villages will help to support the creation of new business and leisure opportunities.  It all starts with infrastructure and the Enniskillen Bypass is an example of the type of project that can bring about all of these benefits.  The 2.1km bypass will improve connectivity by creating a new transport link and will enhance the town centre environment by improving air quality and noise levels.  Importantly it will also provide 3.5km of active travel measures for walking and cycling extending along the Dublin and Derrylin roads.

“My Department has worked diligently over recent years to complete all the statutory processes for this significant project.  I am pleased that following the Finance Minister’s proposal last month the confirmation of Executive funding, alongside the early release of funding from the Mid South West Growth Deal, will allow us to now commence procurement with a view to construction commencing in late spring/early summer next year.

“I will continue to work closely with my Executive colleagues and council partners to deliver projects that will bring about positive changes for communities across the north.”

Minister Archibald said:

“Tackling regional imbalance is the key to prosperity and I was pleased, following my proposal, the Executive agreed the additional funding for the A4 Enniskillen Bypass. The project will help to provide a new transport link to the town and improve the connection between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road. This vital investment, through the Mid South West Growth Deal, will be transformational for the Mid South West region and will help to attract new investment, which will benefit both local businesses and communities.

“I would like to thank all those involved in bringing the project to this point.”

Councillor Errol Thompson, Chair of the Mid South West Region Governance Steering Group, said:

“I am delighted that funding has been secured to progress the construction of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass Scheme.  It is also welcoming that the Northern Ireland Executive has demonstrated flexibility and commitment to the scheme by agreeing to the early release of the £12.5 million investment from the Mid South West Growth Deal in advance of the signing of the Deal’s Heads of Terms.

“This is a significant scheme for Enniskillen and the wider Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area as it will help to improve connectivity, travel times and safety on this busy road.  One of the pillars of the Mid South West Growth Deal is Enabling Infrastructure which is critical to driving economic growth and helping the region realise its growth potential.

“This scheme will contribute to the achievement of this and will be a welcome boost to the local economy as it will unlock opportunities for businesses and communities in Enniskillen and the surrounding towns and villages.”

The Mid South West (MSW) Region is a collaboration between Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Mid Ulster District Council.  Having confirmed their intention to develop a proposition and work towards a Growth Deal to boost economic growth and deliver a step change to the future prospects of the collective MSW Region, the MSW Partner Councils launched a Regional Economic Strategy (RES) in 2020.  The MSW Region Growth Deal is a £252 million investment in the region by the NI Executive and UK Government and will make a significant contribution towards realising the ambition of the RES to supercharge the growth of the collective economy and ensure inclusive prosperity.

MSW Region and Partner Councils

Minister Baker on his First Official Engagement with the MSW Region and Partner Councils

The Chair and Vice Chair of the MSW Region Governance Steering Group together with Senior Officials were delighted to welcome Minister Baker to Craigavon Civic Centre on 24 February 2023 for his first official engagement with the MSW Region and Partner Councils.  Welcoming the opportunity to hear about the MSW collaboration and to discuss progress to date, the Minister pledged his support and that of his officials to working with MSW to secure the Growth Deal.  Applauding MSW’s ambition to supercharge the economic growth of the region, the Minister emphasised the importance of maximising the UKG’s investment through the Growth Deal in innovation and digital.

MSW Region and Partner Councils

MSW Region and Partner Councils